A Grand Junction High School senior is gaining early experience in filmmaking through concurrent classes at CMU Tech. His work in the program is already earning recognition and helping shape his path toward a future in film.
Colorado Mesa University Tech (CMU Tech) has consistently provided learning opportunities for students of all different ages, backgrounds and specialties. Cameron Kirkegaard, a current senior at Grand Junction High School (GJHS), has been taking concurrent film classes through CMU Tech in hopes of attending an accredited film school after graduation.
Kirkegaard’s passion for filmmaking started with middle school projects. Now in high school, he has created an award-winning film while taking concurrent courses at CMU Tech. The film, Line of Fire, is a 40-minute documentary that features members of the United States Biathlon team who faced sexual abuse but never had the opportunity to speak out. Kirkegaard collaborated with fellow CMU Tech student Lily Goldberg to capture the emotions and provide awareness about the development of women’s rights through his lens.
“This project was the first time I really used a camera and an editing program,” Kirkegaard said. “While this was happening, GJHS took a trip to CMU Tech, and I learned about the Digital Filmmaking class. Immediately, I knew this was what I wanted to do and spend my time on the last two years of high school.”
Adding college coursework to a high school schedule is not a simple task. Kirkegaard spent three periods a day on CMU Tech’s campus focusing on improving his techniques and sharpening his craft. His junior year, he took AP Calculus, which made his class and homework load a lot more intensive.
“My filmmaking classes also gave me a nice break during the day where I could go off campus and learn about art instead of math,” said Kirkegaard.
CMU Tech’s Digital Filmmaking Program offers a hands-on approach where students like Kirkegaard can learn the ins and outs of cameras and the strategies of setting up scenes. Josh Meuwly, the Technical Instructor of Digital Filmmaking at CMU Tech teaches many courses in production, narrative and commercial filmmaking and design.
“What Josh has really helped me learn was during my Film Expression course that I took my junior year,” Kirkegaard continued. “We were able to watch classic movies in class and learn about what made them foundational.”
Meuwly helps expand horizons for aspiring filmmakers by mentoring his students in the right direction. His role with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade as the Colorado Film Commission Regional Liaison helps bring professional projects and opportunities to his students on the western slope. He is passionate about teaching all kinds of students, whether it is traditional or concurrent.
“I think a lot of kids are exploring film as an option and trying to grasp if it’s a pathway to a career,” Meuwly said. “So, for them to be able to explore while they’re in high school and not commit to a program is important to make sure they enjoy it.”
With anywhere from 20 to 30 concurrent students each year, the program is designed to help people build the necessary skills to pursue filmmaking professionally. CMU Tech’s facilities are outstanding compared to where they are located. Many students want to pursue their undergraduate degree in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles or Hollywood, but a good film program revolves around a passionate professor who is willing to help in any way possible. This allows students to create original works that can have a national impact. Meuwly is dedicated to creating such opportunities for students like Kirkegaard.
Since the release of his documentary, Kirkegaard’s Line of Fire was selected for the Pikes Peak DocuFest in Colorado Springs and the Royal Gorge Film Festival in Cañon City, where it won the Audience Choice Award.
“To me, that means that I am able to spread its message to more people across the state where it was filmed,” Kirkegaard said. “With all of the hours spent on each element that it took to create this documentary, I learned about pre-production, production and the editing process, which has been incredibly helpful for my aspirations.”
Cameron Kirkegaard used CMU Tech’s resources, like their editing software, camera equipment and knowledge from his classes to create his award-winning documentary. He has grown himself into a prime candidate for many film schools across the country, including Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
“I absolutely feel more prepared for future film products because of CMU Tech,” said Kirkegaard. “It was really helpful to get my hands on lighting equipment, cameras, audio and more to feel prepared for film school next year.”
Kirkegaard is graduating from CMU Tech with a technical certificate in Digital Filmmaking in May, along with his diploma from GJHS. After two years of dedication, Kirkegaard suggests that the new wave of concurrent film students use their time well and go for it.
For more information on CMU Tech’s Digital Filmmaking program visit https://www.coloradomesa.edu/tech/programs/digital-filmmaking.html.